Migration Overseas
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Australia Immigration

Family & Partner Visas 2026

Australia values family unity. Reunite with your spouse, parents, or children through various family visa pathways designed to bring loved ones together.

8
Visa Subclasses
95%
Partner Approval
12-24m
Processing

Parent Visas

Contributory & non-contributory options

Child Visas

For dependent children of PR/citizens

Partner Visas

For spouses, de facto partners & fiancé(e)s

Onshore Partner Visa

For applicants in Australia
820 / 801

A two-stage process for partners currently inside Australia. First temporary visa (820), then permanent residence (801) after relationship assessment.

  • Must be in Australia when applying
  • For married or de facto partners
  • Full work and study rights on bridging visa
  • Medicare eligibility while waiting
  • Can add dependent children

Offshore Partner Visa

For applicants outside Australia
309 / 100

For partners currently outside Australia. Allows entry on temporary visa (309) and later transition to permanent residence (100).

  • Must be outside Australia to apply
  • Can enter Australia on 309
  • Full work and study rights
  • Pathway to permanent residency
  • Relationship genuineness assessed

Prospective Marriage

Fiancé(e) Visa
300

For those intending to marry their Australian citizen or PR spouse in Australia. Valid for 9-15 months.

  • Must be outside Australia to apply
  • Must marry within visa period
  • Then apply for Partner Visa (820/801)
  • Single entry visa
  • Cannot work until bridging visa

Parent Visas

Bring your parents to Australia

Contributory Parent

Permanent visa - faster processing
143

A faster pathway for parents to migrate permanently by paying a higher contribution fee. Most popular parent visa option.

  • Permanent residency granted on approval
  • Higher costs offset by faster processing
  • Must meet Balance of Family test
  • Access to Medicare and aged care
  • Can sponsor from onshore or offshore

Sponsored Parent

Temporary - Long stay option
870

Allows parents to visit Australia continuously for 3 or 5 years, renewable up to a maximum of 10 years total.

  • No Balance of Family test required
  • Cannot work in Australia
  • Must have health insurance
  • Renewable (max 10 years cumulative)
  • Sponsor must be approved first

Parent Visa (Standard)

Low cost - long wait
103

A lower-cost permanent option with extremely long waiting periods. Suitable if cost is a major concern and you can wait.

  • Much lower application cost
  • Very long queue (up to 30 years)
  • Balance of Family test applies
  • Permanent residence on approval
  • Can stay on bridging visa if in Australia

Child Visas

For dependent children of Australian citizens or PR holders

Child Visa (Offshore)

For children outside Australia
101

For dependent children located outside Australia to come and live permanently with their eligible parent.

  • Child must be dependent on parent
  • Parent must sponsor and be eligible
  • Permanent residence granted
  • Full education and Medicare access
  • Includes adopted children

Child Visa (Onshore)

For children in Australia
802

For dependent children currently in Australia to remain permanently with their parent who is a citizen or PR holder.

  • Must be in Australia to apply
  • Permanent residence pathway
  • Full access to Medicare
  • Can study at domestic rates
  • Pathway to citizenship

Current Wait Times

Estimated processing times as of 2026 (subject to change)

820/801
Onshore Partner
18-26 months
309/100
Offshore Partner
19-27 months
143
Contributory Parent
45-51 months
870
Sponsored Parent
3-5 months

Family Visas Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about this visa category.

What family visas does Australia offer?

Key family visas include Partner (subclass 820/801 onshore, 309/100 offshore), Parent (various streams), Child, and other relative visas.

How does the Partner visa work?

Partner visa is a two-stage process: temporary visa first, then permanent after 2 years. Couples married less than 2 years or de facto must demonstrate ongoing genuine relationship.

What is the Parent visa waiting time?

Standard Parent visa (103/804) has 30+ year wait. Contributory Parent visa (143/864) costs more ($47,000+) but processes in 3-5 years.

Can de facto partners apply?

Yes, de facto relationships are recognized. You must prove 12+ months of genuine cohabitation or registration of relationship with Australian authorities.

What evidence proves a genuine relationship?

Evidence includes joint finances, living together, social recognition, shared responsibilities, and commitment to future. Photos, statements, and third-party declarations help.

Can I work while waiting for Partner visa?

Yes, temporary Partner visa (820/309) includes work and study rights while waiting for permanent visa assessment.

What is the Prospective Marriage visa?

Subclass 300 allows you to come to Australia to marry your Australian partner. After marriage, you apply for Partner visa onshore.

What are sponsorship requirements?

Australian sponsors must be citizens, permanent residents, or eligible NZ citizens. They may need to provide police checks and statutory declarations.

How long does Partner visa take?

Currently 16-22 months for temporary partner visa, then additional 12-18 months for permanent after the 2-year relationship period.

Can children be included in family visas?

Yes, dependent children under 18 (or under 25 if dependent and studying full-time) can be included in most family visa applications.

Ready to Reunite with Your Family?

Our expert migration agents can guide you through the complex family visa process and help maximize your chances of approval.

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